Mark Clattenburg: 'I allowed Tottenham Hotspur to self-destruct'

However, Mauricio Pochettino's side could only draw 2-2 (despite taking a two-goal lead) at Stamford Bridge, thus confirming the Foxes as champions. If I send three players off, what's the headlines? "I had to referee differently when I went into Europe because none of the top players in Europe would accept some of the physical contact that went on in the Premier League - but that was the theatre, that's what people loved".

On a Monday night in early May previous year, Leicester clinched the Premier League title for the 2015/16 season.

"That's the balance that top-level officials have to try and achieve - what's right for the game and the laws - and that's what a lot of people don't understand". I used to give Clattenburg the benefit of the doubt, as I tend to give it to most referees since their job is thankless and nigh impossible, but these are extraordinary quotes from someone who gets paid far more (both in terms of money and attention) than he should to do a awful job.

"Yes there's words that have been taken out of context, and I could have used different words in some places".

Asked later in the press conference about whether referees should speak about the matches they have officiated on, the Argentine said: "I don't know".

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas tweeted out a short and mysterious reaction to Mark Clattenburg's recent comments about how he handled the task of officiating the infamous 'Battle of the Bridge'.

"But I don't regret what I did in that match. I came off the pitch knowing that I hadn't influenced the result, and that was the most important thing".

"I think it is a nonsense", The Telegraph quotes Hackett as saying. "It is disappointing to hear him say that he avoided giving a red card for his own self-preservation. Sorry I'm not going to say anything".

He added: 'I helped the game.

"You try to build your authority and trust as the game progresses".

Not to mention, Chelsea were fined after this game for what was allowed to go on by this absolute buffoon of a referee! "There is no ducking the issue".